CALLING ALL ELVES
It’s everyone’s favorite time of year—Project Elf!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors last holiday season, we helped bring Christmas joy to 3,665 children!
Each year, The Christmas Box International works with our community to provide Christmas gifts and resources to children, teens, and young adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, or homelessness.
GREATEST NEED
WALMART GIFT CARDS
We are asking donors to provide $25 Walmart gift cards. These empower parents working with the Division of Child and Family Services to purchase the gifts their children want and need. Each family receives two $25 gift cards per child/teen to help create a positive holiday experience.
Preferred Walmart Gift Card Drop-Off Dates
- Thursday, November 12
- Thursday, December 3
Gift cards CAN be dropped off after these dates, but early donations are encouraged so families have time to shop before Christmas.
Drop-off Locations
Please deliver your new, unwrapped items to one of these locations:
Salt Lake Area
Salt Lake Christmas Box House
3660 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Northeast entrance by angel statue
Northern Utah
Ogden Christmas Box House:
950 East 12th Street, Ogden, UT 84404
East entrance by angel statue
IMPORTANT HOLIDAY DATES
NOW: Holiday donations are being accepted—especially Walmart gift cards!
November 12th & December 3rd: Walmart Gift Cards deadline
December 18: Deadline for holiday gift donations to be guaranteed for Christmas.
Donations received after December 18 are still gratefully accepted
December 21–23: Donation Center open for donations and volunteer opportunities
December 24 & 25: No donations will be accepted
December 24–January 3: CBI offices CLOSED
DONATE A GIFT
NEW & UNWRAPPED items only
Shop from our Christmas Wish Lists and deliver items to a Christmas Box House, or shop from our Amazon Wish List and have gifts shipped directly to us.
Why do gifts need to be unwrapped?
Children come into our shelters throughout December. Keeping gifts unwrapped allows staff to select appropriate gifts and ensures that children who move before Christmas can still receive a special gift from their new placement.
Project Elf Wish Lists
- Walmart, Target, Amazon
- Smith, Costco
- TJMAXX, Ulta
- Old Navy, PINK, Famous Footwear
- McDonalds, Little Caesars’, TacoBell, Chick-fil-A, Jimmy Johns
- Fiiz, Swig, Starbucks
- Cinemark, Megaplex, Nicklecade
- Hobby Lobby, Dollar Tree
- Fidget Toys
- Weighted Hoodies
- Weighted Blankets
- Sensory Chew Necklace
TEEN
- Press On Nails
- Ulta Makeup Palette
- Ulta Makeup Brush Set
- Make Up: Fake Lashes, Foundation, Bronzer
- Perfume and Lotion
- Popular Brand Hoodie (Nike, UnderArmour, Adidas): adult sizes
- Popular Brand Joggers: adult sizes
- Slides: adult sizes
- Portable Speakers
- Over-Ear Headphones/Earbuds
- Nice Reusable Plastic Water Bottles (NO metal/glass. Dishwasher safe)
CHILD
- Lego sets
- Popular Disney Toys
- Squishmallows
- VTech/Leapfrog Toys
- Little Tikes/ Fisher Price Toys
NO TOY WEAPONS
EXAMPLES: NERF GUNS OR LIGHT SABERS
- String/Boondoggle Kit
- Craft Kits & Art Kits (NO needles or glass)
- National Geographic STEM Kits
- STEM Activity Kits
- Diamond Art
- 8×10 canvas boards
- Acrylic Paint
- Gift Cards
- Vacuums
- Duffle Bags
- Cordless Alarm Clocks & Radios
- Lock Boxes
- Amazon Fire Tablet (Used for kids sick that need to stay in bed and watch movies)
Make shopping easier and check out our Amazon Wishlist.
…
Organize a Project Elf Donation Drive
Organizing a Project Elf Donation Drive lets you involve others who might not be aware of the needs of the children being met by Project Elf. Many families, businesses, and groups enjoy the camaraderie of joining together to give, and to invite others to give.
Donation drives are also a great way for youth to gain a greater appreciation for the blessings they have by sharing them with others who are less fortunate.
There are numerous ways to conduct a successful Project Elf Donation Drive:
- Using a giving tree with Project Elf ornaments listing gifts from the Christmas Wish Lists (and of course gift cards)
- Passing out fliers to your neighborhood and then having a donation Pickup day
- Have a “Bring a Gift to Work Day”
- Host a Facebook fundraiser
The possibilities are as broad as your imagination. The key to a successful Project Elf Donation Drive is simply to ask.
Be sure to check out our WISH LISTS for ideas!
Downloads: In order to help you get out the word, we have included some artwork which you may download at the links below.
Project Elf Info Sheet
Project Elf Ornaments-Tags
Project Elf Ribbon Graphic
Project Elf Sign Utah
VOLUNTEER AS AN ELF!
Volunteer spots are first come, first served and availability is limited.
Christmas Box Houses
Help: Sort, organize, and put away donations
When: Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Group Size: Up to 5 people
Age: 18+ and out of high school
Sign Up
Ogden: Kimmy — [email protected]
Salt Lake: Julia — [email protected]
Larger groups must volunteer at the Donation Center.
Christmas Box Donation Center
December 22 & 23 ONLY
Help: Accept and sort donations
Shifts: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. OR 2–4 p.m.
Group Size: Up to 20 people
Age: 13+
Volunteers under 18 must have a legal guardian present to sign the waiver.
Sign Up
Email Kristin at [email protected]
The Donation Center is not available for volunteer opportunities outside of December 21–23.
Holiday Assistance Notice
Christmas Box International is not able to assist the general public with holiday needs. Our holiday program is only able to support children served by DCFS.
If you are seeking holiday assistance, please contact 211 Utah for available community resources.